Elder

Quick meaning: Elder is an adjective meaning comparative degree of old: older, greater than another in age or seniority.

Meaning

comparative degree of old: older, greater than another in age or seniority.

More Meanings

1. (card games) Closer to the dealer, i.e. receiving cards earlier than others.
2. (now chiefly US) An old person.
3. (relational, chiefly in the plural, chiefly with possessive determiners) One who is older than another.
4. One who lived at an earlier period; a predecessor.
5. An officer of a church, sometimes having teaching responsibilities.
6. A clergyman authorized to administer all the sacraments.
7. A leader or senior member of a tribe or community, often of considerable age, respected as an authority figure, especially in a counselling, consultative, or ceremonial role.

Example Sentences

We were presented to the village elder.

The elder of the two was also an elder statesman.

It's typical for elder married couples to live in retirement homes.

At the friendship centre, you can arrange to meet with a social worker or an elder.

Word Forms

• elders
• eldering
• eldered

Synonyms for elder

Depending on context, synonyms include geriatric, eld, mzee, senior, antecessor, forerunner.

Antonyms for elder

Common opposites include junior, younger.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include senior, older, big, first-born, firstborn, oldest.

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